Cup Size Detection Interface for Error-Free Beverage Vending

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage vending machines fail to thoroughly dissolve complex dry beverage mixes and do not produce sufficient froth for drinks like lattes and espressos, and they are often limited to specific input voltages, requiring multiple models and complex customer cup size selection processes.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a container detection system that automatically identifies cup sizes using sensors, a whipping mechanism with an impeller that creates cavitations for froth production, and a dual-voltage capable hot water tank system, allowing for consistent product dispensing across different voltages without modification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a smooth mixing chamber with an impeller is used to stir the mix, then the mixing process is simple, but the agitation is insufficient to produce suitable froth or creme

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing chamber designVSAvoidfroth production quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing chamber incorporates a porous bottom surface that allows air to be drawn into the liquid mixture during agitation. This porous structure enables the formation of fine air bubbles throughout the mixture, creating the desired froth and creme layers on top of the beverage, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple mixing design and reliable froth production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cup sizes are supported with manual selection, then customer choice is provided, but the selection process is complicated and errors occur when customers input one size but place a smaller cup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecup size optionsVSAvoidcustomer selection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses optical sensors to automatically detect the size of the cup placed in the receiving area. The sensors measure parameters such as cup height, width, or volume and automatically select the appropriate beverage dispensing quantity without requiring customer input. This eliminates selection errors and simplifies the customer interface while maintaining support for multiple cup sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If a single voltage-specific heating element is used, then the heating efficiency is optimized for that voltage, but the vending machine cannot operate on different input voltages without extensive modifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidvoltage compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is designed with universal voltage compatibility, incorporating circuitry and design features that allow it to operate efficiently on multiple input voltages (e.g., 110V and 220V). This enables the vending machine to function across different electrical standards without requiring extensive modifications or multiple specialized heating elements, thereby achieving both adequate heating efficiency and voltage adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If pouring hot water into a cup with dry mix is used, then the dissolution process is simple, but the agitation is insufficient to thoroughly dissolve complex mixes, leaving residue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing mechanismVSAvoiddissolution completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The porous bottom of the mixing chamber introduces air bubbles into the mixture during the pouring and mixing process. This aeration creates turbulent flow patterns and enhances the contact between hot water and dry mix particles, significantly improving dissolution completeness for complex beverage mixes while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This system ensures thorough mixing, consistent product dispensing, and automatic cup size detection, simplifying customer selection and enabling the same vending machine to operate on multiple voltage ranges with minimal modifications.

Implementation Method 1

an optical sensor positioned in the beverage receiving area for detecting placement of the cup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a cavitation mechanism positioned within the whipping chamber for creating vacuum bubbles within the liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCavitation: Cavitation

Data Source

PatentUS7912579B2Automatic cup detection and associated customer interface for vending apparatus and method therefor

Publication Date: 2011.03.22 CRANE PAYMENT INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

A vending machine automatically detects the size of a customer-selected container or cup placed in the dispensing area of the vending apparatus to receive a dispensed beverage. A plurality of sensors positioned proximate the container receiving area detects the container's size (e.g., small/large; small/medium/large). In response, the vending machine conveys or illuminates to the customer one or more of the available beverage selections (provided by the vending machine) indicating which of the beverage selections is available based on the detected cup size.